The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1887-01-13

chose TO take 1rlgnL A Htrce plunge, a
snort from dilating nostrils, and they
were off like the wind.
A faint cry broke from Elinor's lips,
and the fast-fying trees swan dizzlly
before her eyes; but she felt strong
hand take the lines from her limp
grasp; she heard firm, quiet voice
say:
Hush! be quiet; sit still, and you
snail be savedi'
do not think of me, but save your
self. 1t was my fault | deserve itn'
she cried, with blanched face and
quivering lips.
And he turned, and brown eyes and
violet eyes met in long look, and into
his came such passion, such tenderness,
such love! Then, even iu the face OF
death, she felt thrill of triumph quiver
through her. She had conquered.
And what would life be worth to me
without you?" in deep tones shaken
with fierce emotion.
Not two hours ago he had quoted
Tennyson's lines to her, calmly. cooIly;
now ne was ready 10 pour out his soul
10 her; but now he faced death, and
death must wiring the truth from every
heart. He leaned toward her, with elo-
quently entreatng eyes.
May |, just once for my loves sake?
1t may be death before US.
And over her face spread a crimson
glow, but her proud lips were raised to
meet his. and then she burst into tears.
20, Stephen, forgive me-"
1t was not death, though it came near
to it, and Mr.. Velasco's bays were reek-
ing with sweat and trembling in every
limb when they were at last stopped by
a party of farm hands who were return
ing from work. If you think those two
Young people returned engaged, and
with the day set you are mistaken.
They were going back to the world
again, and. though conscious they could
not 60 back just the same, Elinor at
least stroye to remember the claims
society had upon her. She dried her
eyes, she leaned back cold and silent,
dreading a proposal now as much as
she had once desired il. Then vanity
prompted her; now she could not under
stand the tumult of her heart.
But she need not have dreaded fur
ther words from Stephen then. His
face wore a more pre-occupied look,
and when they arrived at the hotel he
allowed her to 90, only asking the
favor OF brief interview some time
during the evening.
She knew full well what that meant,
and went up to her room and locked the
door against all intruders, but what
ever battles she fought, never had she
looked loyelier than she did that even
ing, when she came down, dressed in
delicate creamy lace. bunch of cream
white roses at her breast Not a touch
OF color about her, if we except her sun
gold hair, her violet eyes, and the warm
hue of her velvet-sott lips.
Stephen Bellair saw her as she came
across the hall, saw the ugly little mill
lionaire meet her at the parlor door.
and turned on his heel. Why need he
90 through the form of proposal?
Could there be any doubt about her
answer?
Nevertheless, later on he presented
himself before her. 1t was a lovely
night; there were idlers on the prone
made. Would She
She rose and went with him. Velasco
followed, not too closely, but with dog
ged determination, dull fire gathering
in his eyes What did she mean slight
ing him for that fellow?
Il will not be tritied with. [ will
make her decide be ween us tonight.
I'll have my triumph over him to pay
him back for his presumption, and
they had just turned into a deserted
walk when they came face to face with
him.
Excuse me, Miss Thrale, but did you
not promise me an answer to very
important question this EVENING""
She regarded him haughtily.
Il do not remember such promise. )"
Still | must ask YOU to decide now.
at once. | have been patient; | have
not interfered with your pleasures this
summer; but now you must decide be-
tween me and this young man.
She dropped Stephens arm, and re-
tired a pace or two from them.
Yes" said Stephen, graveiy, choose
between Us. | love you. l will not
offer you anything else, for that alone
must influence you. Come to me and /
viii be the happiest man on earth, his
eyes atire.
And | not only offer you love, but
| wealth. power, position everything to
make life desirable. No wish shall be
left ungratifed; the world will be at
your feet Think of it." said old We
| lasco.
She did think of it. and a few weeks
before she would hardly have hesitated
| over her acceptance, but now she looked
on life differently.
The crust OF worldly selfshness had
melted from around her heart
She looked at the two men in the sill
very moonlight-one past his youth.
with the marks of reckless life on his
withered face; the other, young and
noble, prince among the people-her
prince, her lover.
Her bosom heaved; she stretched out
| her arms to him, the world and its
tempting glories forgotten:
20, Stephen, you are my choice.
And the next moment she was On
| Stephens heart. and Stephens kisses
| were falling on her brow. eyes, and lips.
And Velasco stumbled away, upset.
bewIdered. He had been so confident
OF her. so sure he had read her Alright.
1t was enough 10 daze him to find his
judgment so utterly at fault.
But why do YOU choose me- Elinor,
my queen?' said Stephen at length.
And she looked at him with tender,
violet eyes-with soft, burning bushes
and trembling lips
Because i love your
1t was marriage that caused nine
days wonder among Miss Thrale' s
friends; but as some one remarked:
when it comes TO love YOU cannot
nfolr- doniNo ,ul,n ,uil ho 1I-.,,,, e